Security Science and Technology at Glenville State University

Glenville State's Security Science and Technology program underperforms both statewide and national benchmarks by a meaningful margin. With graduates earning $38,237 in their first year—about $6,000 less than West Virginia's median for this field—this program ranks in just the 40th percentile statewide. That's particularly notable in a state with only six schools offering this degree, meaning it trails most direct competitors including West Virginia University and American Public University System, where graduates earn $44,255 and $49,622 respectively.

The program does offer one clear advantage: relatively manageable debt. At $29,750, graduates carry only slightly more than the national median, and with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.78, most students should be able to handle repayment. The 6% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests modest career progression, though graduates still lag behind their peers who attended other West Virginia programs even after several years in the workforce.

For families weighing this investment, the calculus is straightforward but not entirely negative. You're looking at below-average earnings for the security field but without the crushing debt that sometimes accompanies struggling programs. Given that 42% of students receive Pell grants, the program clearly serves many first-generation and lower-income students. If this is your child's only pathway into security work, it's manageable—but if they can gain admission to WVU or similar alternatives, the earnings difference could amount to $25,000 or more over five years.